## Norway to Grant Permission for DNS Blocking – iGB
The head of the Norwegian Gaming Authority, Henrik Nordal, has stated that the government “backs” granting the agency fresh authority to DNS block unauthorized websites, with implementation anticipated in January 2024.
**Home > Law & Compliance > Norway Expected to Approve DNS Blocking**
Norway is anticipated to approve DNS blocking. The new powers granted to the Norwegian Gaming Authority will mark the conclusion of a process that commenced nearly two years ago, when Norway first submitted DNS blocking of unauthorized websites for consultation.
Nordal believes that unauthorized betting websites present a specific danger to Norwegian customers, as the “forceful” nature of these games enables individuals to lose substantial sums of money in a brief period.
Nordal emphasized a 2019 population survey that highlighted that currently 55,000 Norwegians are grappling with gambling issues, while 122,000 are at risk of developing gambling problems. As a result, problem gambling costs the Nordic nation 5 billion kroner (390 million GBP/480 million USD/440 million EUR) in social costs annually.
**Safeguarding Norwegian Consumers**
Norwegian consumers are less likely to differentiate between legal and illegal products compared to similar nations, with 50% of the population unaware or uncertain who is authorized to provide gambling services.
“DNS blocking makes the riskiest gambling games less accessible, thereby safeguarding Norwegian players,” said Nordal.
It is crucial to understand that numerous individuals are uninformed about the dangers associated with engaging in illicit gambling ventures.
Hilde Nordal, the leader of the Norwegian Gaming Authority (NGA), stated that through the implementation of DNS blocking, participants will be alerted and barred from accessing these monetary games. This constitutes an effective publicity strategy and will also have a preventative impact.
In addition to blocking, Nordal also emphasized other actions Norway has taken to mitigate the unlicensed sector. These actions encompass a prohibition on television advertising and a ban on payment intermediaries, resulting in numerous banks severing business ties with gambling enterprises.
“We are acquiring an increasing number of tools, and we are observing that this is having a positive collective effect. We have consistently advocated for the introduction of DNS blocking as soon as feasible because it is a beneficial measure,” Nordal remarked.
Upon the enactment of the new regulations in 2024, gambling companies that fail to cease broadcasting unlicensed gambling to Norway will be subject to DNS blocking orders.
The agency declared its intention to utilize this transitional period to pursue legal action against these organizations, threatening them with compulsory fines if they do not halt their operations, as the regulator has previously done with Unibet and Betsson.
“We will accord this endeavor a high priority,” Nordal affirmed. “Regarding companies that intend to withdraw from Norway and have implemented measures to demonstrate their authenticity, we will prioritize guidance over response and DNS blocking.”
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